Hello, 2015!

By Mirah W. (mwelday)

Every year it seems more and more things get in my way as I try to get through my ‘to be read’ shelves.  At present count I have 6 shelves (about 80 books) on my living room bookcases of books I want to read.  I can’t stop myself from getting more books, even though I already have plenty.  And based on some of the fellow PBSers I know, I don’t think I’m alone in this affliction.  I have several books that have moved to the top of my ‘to read’ list.  Here are my top 5 I hope to get to this year:

1)   All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – This novel is a National Book Award finalist and I enjoy books about World War II so this book quickly made the list.  A young French girl and a German boy become connected while trying to survive the atrocities of the war.  I’ve heard from others that the novel is beautifully written and reviews indicate it is well-researched.

2)   Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult – Picoult has written another best seller and in her typical style, she has the readers guessing and doubting what they would do when faced with questions of conscious.  A mother disappears and a daughter lives her life constantly wondering about her mother and questioning if she was abandoned by choice.

3)   The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion – The sequel to the funny and insightful The Rosie Project. The first book was a great reminder that love can be a reality for everyone. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and can’t wait to see what happens to them in the next stage of their relationship.

4)   Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin – I am totally behind the times.  It seems everyone has read the books or watched the TV show except me!  Several friends and my husband have all recommended the series and I’ve yet to read book one.  Time to catch up, I think.

5)   Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell – Every year I try to read at least one classic and I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while.  I am a huge fan of the BBC mini-series and love the characters created by Gaskell.  The plot is full of misunderstood characters, unrequited love, and a questioning of the standard roles of men and women.

Hopefully I’ll be able to get to all of these (and many more) this year.  Fingers crossed!  I’d love to know what books you have on your ‘to read’ list for the coming year; please share your top picks in the comments, I may want to add some of your choices to my list!  Happy reading in 2015!